Spend less and do more with these money-saving tips from Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners.

It’s a fact that Orlando offers unique experiences that can help everyone create lasting memories — and that we have ways to help you save money and bring even more value to your getaway while you’re at it. What’s more, our expert Vacation Planners are happy to share tips, tricks and hacks to get the best possible value for your money during your visit, including the gems featured here.

Discover: 29+ Things to Do in Orlando for $29 or Less

For more insider advice tailored to your visit, reach out to our Vacation Planners directly. You can even request an appointment for a one-on-one session at a date and time of your choosing — and in keeping with our value theme, that service is free. Remember: The more you save, the more you can do in Orlando!

Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit.

Accommodations & Dining

Choosing the Right Hotel

One of the best ways to save money is to dig deeper into what the hotel offers beyond the overnight stay. For example, many hotels will offer free breakfast, free shuttles into downtown Orlando or the theme parks, and free parking. Other properties will also offer happy hours and afternoon socials with food and drink included.

Discover: Places to Stay

Just one example of a great value for money hotel is the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando — Disney Springs® Area, perfectly located within walking distance of the free-to-enter Disney Springs, an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment hub at Walt Disney World® Resort. This hotel offers a free hot breakfast buffet daily from 6 – 10 a.m. and a free “5:30 Kickback” served from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. daily, featuring a rotating menu of fresh, hot dinnertime snacks, plus beer, wine, mixed drinks and soft drinks.

Discover: Magical Value at Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando

Hotel Alternatives

Consider staying in a vacation home — complete with a full-size kitchen — to save money on meals. A good example is the new Villatel Orlando Resort.

Discover: New Reasons to Visit

Situated within the International Drive area in the heart of Orlando’s entertainment districts, Villatel offers private villa rentals with hotel-style standards and amenities at affordable prices. Many other vacation and condo rentals are available in the Orlando area.

Discover: Things to Do on International Drive

Eat and Play Card

The Eat and Play Card is a brilliant deal for families and friends looking to dine in some of Orlando’s most popular restaurants, explore amazing attractions, and indulge in a spot of retail therapy across the city’s expansive shopping scene. One card provides a group of up to four people with huge savings at over 150 local restaurants, from upscale to quick-serve locations.

Discover: Food & Dining

The card can be used throughout Orlando’s main entertainment districts of International Drive and Lake Buena Vista. The best part? It can be used as often as you like, even at the same place every day, and it is valid for six months from activation. Cards are priced at just $22 per person.

Theme Parks & Attractions

Discounted Theme Parks, Attractions & Experiences

Before you even arrive in Orlando, be sure to check out Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com. There, you will find authorized discount tickets for just about everything you’ll want to do while you’re here, including theme parks, water parks, attractions, outdoor adventures, tours and more.

Save on discount tickets: Orlando Experiences

You can save even more by taking advantage of our Offers page, which includes savings on hotels, dining and other activities. Our partners also have exclusive offers for Florida residents, active and retired U.S. military, and health and safety workers.

Discover: Orlando Offers

Save on Food & Drink

Purchase refillable popcorn buckets for an affordable snack at Walt Disney World, and purchase refillable cups at Universal Orlando Resort to take advantage of their Freestyle Coke machines. It’s also a good idea to bring a refillable bottle from home, as all parks have water refill stations. You can even bring your own food to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando parks, with some exceptions.

For a different kind of theme park, look into Discovery Cove®. In addition to a day full of natural attractions and serene relaxation, their all-inclusive pricing includes food and drinks, including alcohol for guests 21 and up.

Free Fireworks

No park ticket is required to see the evening fireworks at Walt Disney World or SeaWorld® Orlando — their displays are visible throughout the surrounding areas. You can also get a closer view of Walt Disney World fireworks at ticketless on-site properties. For example, head to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to enjoy fireworks at Magic Kingdom® Park, or visit Disney’s BoardWalk for the fireworks display at EPCOT®.

Discover: Free Things to Do

Hotel Hacks

Stay at a Universal Orlando Premium Hotel to get complimentary express passes, which provides front-of-line access to some of the theme parks’ most popular rides. Meanwhile, guests of Walt Disney World Resort properties can enjoy early park admission, among other perks.

Pennywise Parking & Transportation

Disney Springs has free parking, free admission and a program of live music, with a calendar available on the website. You can also go “resort hopping” by parking at Disney Springs and taking the free transportation to check out nearby hotels. The Resort Monorail loop and Disney Skyliner routes are great, free ways to explore Walt Disney World.

Discover: WALT DISNEY WORLD Monorail Crawl

Additionally, Universal CityWalk offers free parking after 6 p.m., and their water taxis offer free rides from Universal CityWalk to select resort properties.

Celebration Freebies

Stop by any merchandise location at Walt Disney World for a free button to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, first visits and so on. Universal Orlando offers a button from Guest Services to enhance your celebrations.

Beyond the Parks

No- & Low-Cost Nature

Explore free nature spots such as Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park, just north of downtown Orlando, and the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve in Winter Garden, west of downtown. You can also visit a natural spring such as Rock Springs Run State Reserve at Kelly Park with entry priced at $3 per vehicle.

Discover: Natural Springs

Affordable Art

The thriving art scene in Orlando is a great way to marvel at wonderful pieces of work without spending too much. Galleries and museums like CityArts and Snap! Orlando in downtown Orlando, The Mennello Museum of American Art in nearby Ivanhoe Village Main Street, or the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden in its namesake community offer free or inexpensive admission.

Discover: Arts & Entertainment

Getting Around on the Cheap

Cruising through International Drive on a rented Lime Scooter is not only invigorating but also a convenient budget option. Alternatively, grab a multi-day pass with the I-Ride Trolley, a bus service through the International Drive area with day passes starting at $6 per person.

Discover: Transportation Providers

Other money-saving transportation tips include:

• Hop on a LYNX bus for an affordable mode of transport to entertainment destinations and authentic neighborhoods.
• Pick up the Visitor Toll Pass for cars rented from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and decline your more costly rental car toll coverage.
• If you’re planning on visiting Miami or other points south before or after your Orlando getaway, the affordable Brightline premium rail service has transformed transport opportunities across the state.

Discover: Brightline FAQs

Stay Connected to Orlando
You never know what we’ll dream up next. Connect with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services for free, personalized assistance, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Threads and YouTube for valuable offers, exclusive tips, fresh attractions and the latest events. You can also subscribe to our eNewsletter for more information from Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World.

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